2010 Honda VFR1200F DCT First Ride

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The VFR1200F's Dual Clutch Transmission utilizes twin independently operated inline cluthches, with the first engaging the 1st, 3rd, and 5th gears while the second operates the 2nd, 4th, and 6th.

The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is the hottest trend in the sports car world. Now, motorcycle manufacturer Honda is the first to apply this high-end technology to the two-wheeled market as a $1500 option on its all-new VFR1200F. If you’re not familiar with Honda’s latest sport-tourer, make sure to examine the 2010 Honda VFR1200F First Ride from Japan and our follow-up article, the 2010 Honda VFR1200F Comparison. For this report we are going to focus only on the operation of the DCT.

Honda’s DCT is an automated manual transmission that allows the machine to shift gears automatically or manually based on rider input by the push of a button. The system deletes the standard manual cable-actuated clutch and shift lever and replaces these traditional motorcycling components with an electronic drive mode selection toggle and an automatic/manual transmission trigger on the right handlebar. The left handlebar houses the two triggers used for up and downshifting when manual mode is selected.

The transmission offers three operating modes: two full-auto modes (D-mode for regular operation and S-mode for sporty riding) and manual push-button control.

As opposed to a standard manual transmission, the DCT utilizes twin independently operated inline clutches. The first/outer clutch controls the engagement of first, third, and fifth gears, while the second/inner clutch manages second, fourth, and sixth gears. Both clutches are bathed in the engine’s oil supply and are actuated hydraulically based on information received from the ECU. Additionally the system employs an auxiliary oil filter.

When you press either the up- or downshift trigger the ECU engages the clutch that operates the requested gear. It then simultaneously disengages the other clutch. This shifting exchange happens within a fraction of a second thereby achieving smooth, seamless acceleration.

During downshifts the electronics automatically blip the throttle which keeps the chassis and drivetrain from jolting during deceleration. Shifting is actually faster than a conventional manual transmission but still doesn’t feel quite as fast as a race bike’s powershift-equipped gearbox, but it’s close. Both the transmission internals and the shifting mechanism are conventional in design ensuring everyday reliability as well as keeping the mechanics as simple as possible.

As far as maintenance is concerned, Honda says that the clutch is no harder to replace than a conventional motorcycle. Instead of replacing one set of metal and fiber plates, there’s two.

The internals of the VFR's Dual Clutch Transmission are conventional in design and no harder to replace than a standard motorcycle, according to Honda.

Honda states that the system adds 22-lbs to the motorcycle which pushes its curb weight to 614 lbs with a full 4.9-gallons of fuel. Despite this added heft the VFR doesn’t feel any heavier at a standstill or in motion as compared to the standard machine.

Start the motorcycle and the transmission defaults to neutral. A lever on the left handlebar actuates the mechanical parking brake which clamps on the rear brake disc. To get moving, simply press the drive mode toggle toward ‘D’ with your thumb, disengage the parking brake and you’re ready to roll.

Twist the throttle and the bike lurches forward fluidly with zero clutch slippage, a typical reaction of a standard manual transmission even in the hands of an expert rider. As a side note it’s actually easier to do burn-outs as all you have to do is hold the front brake, un-weight the seat and pin the throttle.

If you forgot to disengage the parking brake a warning light on the instrument display lets you know. Additionally the rear wheel won’t lock-up if you accidently engage the parking brake while riding.

Hooligans rejoice! Wheelies are still possible with the DCT. However, the electronics do not allow you to upshift with the front wheel in the air.

By default the transmission is in ‘D’ mode which means the bike selects gears automatically and up-shifts into a higher gear as soon as possible. It also holds the gear longer during deceleration which reduces engine braking and maximizes fuel economy. While ‘D’ mode is excellent for conservative pilots or during the commute, ‘S’ mode is the preferred setting during aggressive, fast paced rides.

To transition into Sport mode, simply press the drive mode toggle to ‘S.’ The transmission holds each gear longer during acceleration with up-shifts made near redline. Conversely, during deceleration the transmission will downshift early so you’re always in the meat of the engine’s powerband as you prepare to enter a corner.

To my surprise, the Sport mode is very well calibrated, always selecting the correct gear regardless if you’re attacking a slow, medium, or fast corner. As you get more aggressive with downshifts you’ll really appreciate how the bike automatically blips the throttle, eliminating rear wheel chatter without employing the slipper clutch.

Despite my apprehensions, Honda’s DCT system works perfectly and can be as entertaining to ride as a lever-operated clutch.

If the rider wants to choose gears for themselves they can do so by either pressing the AT/MT trigger on the right handlebar or by pressing the up-or downshift rigger on the left handlebar. When manual mode is selected the gear will be held until the rider selects the next cog or until ‘S’ or ‘D’ auto mode is enabled. The electronics have logic built into it so the rider can never downshift into too low of a gear to cause the engine to over-rev. It also won’t allow you to up-shift during a wheelie.

Part of the thrill of motorcycling is being able to work the clutch and gear shift lever. Thus before swinging a leg over this motorcycle I had already dismissed it as being a silly gimmick. But after just a few minutes in the saddle pushing buttons instead of grabbing levers I’m now a believer. Not only is the DCT easy-to-use it actually doesn’t detract from the excitement of motorcycling, increasing the thrill factor by making acceleration faster and reducing the effort it takes to ride.

adam - motousa
-Bob - Adam, you're high, dude...
September 10, 2010 09:52 PM
not high dude... the best attribute of this new vfr is its chassis. not the engine, not the dct-- the chassis. it steers and handles as good as a brand-new 1000 on the street at high and low speeds.

adam - motousa
-beginner bike
September 10, 2010 09:48 PM
i would not recommend this to beginners because it is too big and large. it also has too much power for a novice.

Shas
-Beginner??
August 31, 2010 01:39 PM
Would this be considered a bike for the beginner??

RJ
-DCT - Very interested
August 16, 2010 09:24 AM
Initially when I first saw the introductions to the concept of the DCT on the VFR1200F I scoffed at the idea of an automatic transmission. Since then, certain factors have contributed to changing my mind and I have no bones saying I'll eat crow and this approach has really grown on me. As I begin to age and thanks to wonderful family genetics I have experienced some recent gout flare ups. Oddly, while my whole body aches, the major part of my body affected is swelling and stiffness in my left shifting ankle and a burning sensation in my legs below my knees. While exercising, medication management, a proper low purine diet, and minimizing alcoholic beverage consumption all can help manage this variation of arthritis, the propensity for these flare ups still exist. On summer journeys traveling in New England that means the previous night's meal can directly influence my ability to enjoy the motorcycling experience that I love so much. It's a hassle, and nothing too serious to prevent me from riding, but the DCT offers a viable solution to easing some of the discomfort on those days. Even if not afflicted by health factors that inhibit your ability to ride, add in some congested traffic conditions like around highway construction zones on I-95, or just the summer traffic of any shoreline region and the automatic makes for a much more enjoyable ride. Any August trip to Bar Harbor/Acadia NP region with stop and go traffic at times will further reinforced the idea that an automatic is the way to go. Now if they could just work on that fuel tank to give a slight increase in range but hopefully the 1200T will address this concern... [hint, hint]

Neil
-Tech for tech's sake
August 12, 2010 11:52 PM
I love technology, you can solve problems that don't exist so efficiently.
Sorry, but I like steering and braking and changing gear. I find these things very satisfying, perhaps even cathartic. I don't want linked brakes or auto whatever, particularly when these things add cost, weight and complexity unnecessarily.
Once electric bikes start to make serious inroads THEN you won't need to change gear, but until then all Honda is doing is putting carbon fiber knobs on an 8-track tape player.

Jerome
-Bike lover of all bikes
August 2, 2010 12:39 PM
Honda loves to add new technology to their products. Along with other companies.
They have to, or their company would shut down.
They have to develop new technologies, and theories.
They learn more about it, and how to improve it, when it is in the real world.
This is a great thing for all types of vehicles.
If that did not happen, then we would still have points, and condenser, drum brakes, suicide shifting, and temperamental carbs.
The technology may not appeal to you today, but might in the future.
I myself, was against cell phones...What was I thinking.

Zippy
-Hd vs Honda
July 13, 2010 06:14 AM
...and Harley will sell 1000 big slow aircooled twins for every one of these Honda can discout enough to get someone to buy.

Zippy
-Chromy
July 13, 2010 03:28 AM
Local Yamaha dealer still has a new 07 FJR1300AE (electronic shift) new on the floor. Oh yea, everybody wants one...NOT!!!

Chrome
-minivan? sucks to your ass-mar
July 12, 2010 12:52 PM
Riding a motorcycle is just an unfortunate necessity of mechanical limitations that we hold onto with nostalgia because it requires some rider skill that differentiates us from those without the skill?Really? I ride because its fun. If you like to shift because its fun, power to you. In general, advances in technology are often resisted by people who "like to shift." Consequently, there is a great market avaialble for selling to folks who dont like things to change (see Harley Davidson).

Tony
-I would buy it
July 10, 2010 10:22 PM
if you can drop 20k on a motorcycle then you can afford to pay to get it fixed. Have a vfr 800 and the only complaints are the stiff clutch pull and lack of cruise control. I ride every day regardless of weather and a lot of 2 up riding and auto sounds great to me. now i just need a second and third job so i can buy one.

Zippy
-buy a minivan
July 7, 2010 04:32 PM
"Shifting is just an unfortunate necessity of mechanical limitations that we hold onto with nostalgia because it requires some rider skill that differentiates us from those without the skill"

You could say the same thing about riding a motorcycle. Most riders like to shift.

Whats a helmet?

Chrome
-What helmet is Adam wearing in the pictures
July 7, 2010 11:40 AM
Normally these articles include a rider's gear section. What helmet is Adam wearing?

PS- concerning the weight... you have to take into account the rider's weight too. If one is so concerned with 22 lbs of performance on a street bike that can go 2.5x the speed limit, I submit that such an individual has been reading too many motorcycle reviews. Worried about 22 lbs? go on a diet. I am sure there are plenty of people out there with 22lbs to lose. The weight of the tranny gets lost in the noise of riders weighing between 150 and 220.

I think the concept is pretty cool. Shifting is just an unfortunate necessity of mechanical limitations that we hold onto with nostalgia because it requires some rider skill that differentiates us from those without the skill. But here again, we see an example of technology doing something better than people can. Why not embrace it?

Zippy
-not if...
July 7, 2010 09:10 AM
Not if they do not sell. They have claimed the "inevitablity" of every auto tranny bike ever made. Guzzi, Honda, KTM, Yamaha. They simply do not sell well. Money is the great equalizer.

Sport touring sells very slow to begin with, compared to sport and cruisers. Goldwingers like lots of gadgets, they will buy it. The FJR1300AE died a slow death, despite everyone telling us to buy it.

Don't tell us what we want, sell us what we want.

Nick
-Buncha whiners
July 7, 2010 09:09 AM
I think the bike is cool and I want one.

And the rest of you nancy boys who are afraid of it can just stay the hell out of my way.

@Reyzie
-Progress?
July 6, 2010 07:05 PM
Progress is an unstoppable force. Motorcycles with anti-lock brakes and traction control are already here and it's only a matter of time before automatics are as common place as well.
For me though, half the fun of riding is sliding, locking the brakes, spinning the rear wheel and clutchless speed-shifting. If the masses wanna buy a bike that takes the rider out of the equation, so be it. Me, I'll stick with my old school manual 6-speed, without ABS or TC.

Harry Howle
-I've been converted
July 6, 2010 04:02 PM
I recently bought a convertible for my wife and I was dead set on a manual shift because I like to shift and our other car is an automatic. Well, it got down to the deal and I had to go with the dual-clutch option. This car is FAST. The shifting is AMAZING and I'm now a believer. If I had not bought this car I might be able to afford this motorcycle. If I had the resources to do so it would be a no brainer. This bike is going to change the future of motorcycling. Your options will be (hopefully) ABS and Dual clutch on nearly every model.

Zippy
-way off base
July 6, 2010 08:52 AM
Very few folks in the USA buy bikes to commute, less than 10% of total sales. We buy based on looks, emotions and the fun factor.

Shifting is fun, part of the experience. My bikes, truck and hotrod are manuals. My wifes minivan is an auto. It has aircon, my car does not even have a hood. Guess which one I drive in rainy rush hour traffic and which one I take on a sunny Sunday. There is simply no reason to buy a motorcycle with an automatic. Every single one ever introduced has been a sales failure. Still 07 Yamaha FJR 1300AEs unsold out there.

Zippy
-duh...
July 4, 2010 10:04 PM
"The system deletes the standard manual cable-actuated clutch and shift lever" Duh...the standard version has a hydraulic cluth lever.

Zippy
-I guess
July 3, 2010 07:49 PM
I guess you could buy one to commute to your stewardess job. (Y'know, so you don't break a nail) Make sure there is room for your man purse. Real men shift.

larry
-vfr youtube
July 2, 2010 05:51 PM
Thair is an intresting compairson of the DTC vs standard on youtube.

unclewill
-More choices = bad
July 2, 2010 12:11 PM
It is bad to offer more choices to consumers - it just creates unrest and dissent. We should all ride the same bike! Urals for everyone!!

JMizzle
-I like how riled up you all get
July 2, 2010 07:10 AM
These comments are too funny. I agree with most that this is good technology, but only for a small percentage of riders out there. Personally, I will never buy a motorcycle with an auto tranny, much less one that adds so much weight. However, I can see plenty of either less experienced, lazier, or touring types buying it. As far as the claim that it shifts faster, well they make power shifters for those concerned about that or you can just shift clutchless on most sportbikes. As far as being smooth on downshifts, I can blip the throttle just fine myself or they make slipper clutches...

Chris
-@Bob
July 1, 2010 04:39 PM
Another benefit of a DCT is the ability to upshift faster and downshift more smoothly. Granted it's satisfying to do it quickly & smoothly yourself, but as this tech advances I bet traditional shifting bikes will become less desirable since they won't be able to keep up with DCT equiped bikes.

Stan
-Short Life
July 1, 2010 01:11 PM
This bike is going to have a 2 year life and Honda will drop it. Maybe Honda will use the transmission in the Lead Wing but this bike just does not make any sense. It is too heavy, too expensive and not very good looking.

Bill
-To all you naysayers...
June 30, 2010 11:46 PM
who mock the DCT save this page, you're gonna need it. Check back in about 5 years and re-read your comments. To a man, every one of you will be in full denial that it was you who made these comical statements. I'll be sure to save the last laugh just for you!

Hepburn
-Bill
June 30, 2010 08:06 PM
“I didn't hear a lot a lot of whining when the kick starter disappeared from road bikes in the early 70's,” Sure, try kick starting a 1000cc sport bike with 13:1 comp. pistons or a 2000cc cruiser, that would not be fun or safe for smaller/female riders and I’m sure a little more inconvenient than going snick snick with your left toe.

“nor when electronic ignition and EFI replaced points and temperamental carbs. We have multiple engine tuning profiles which can be chosen at the push of a button, and suspension electronically adjusted the same way”. There is apparent value in these technologies, my bikes transmission is not temperamental, it shifts fine and so do I. Better engine tunes and suspension add a whole new world of performance to the bike. A DCT makes a simple and pleasurable function of the bikes master go away.

“The state of the art is advanced by people with vision and guts to push aside the status quo, not by the "we didn't ask for this technology" crowd” People did ask for EFI (along with tighter emission standards), better suspensions and ignitions if this wasn’t true there wouldn’t be a universe of after market suspension and EFI/ignition upgrades available.

There is nothing negative about discussing the value of this new technology. Just because the supporters of this new tech can’t come up with any talking points in regards to the value of the DCT other than “you don’t have to shift anymore” and “well it’s new”, doesn’t mean you’re negative because you see no value in this new tech.

If you don’t want to be bothered with shifting while riding your bike then just drive your car and you won’t have to worry about leaning, counter steering, wind in your face, having no place to put your coffee, corner entry/corner exit and all the other “inconvenient” aspects of riding a motorcycle.

One more time: New technology that is useful= good. New technology for the sake of being new and to get rid of dreadful act of shifting while operating your machine bad.

Bob
-Adam, you're high, dude...
June 30, 2010 01:57 PM
"In either standard or DCT form this VFR literally handles similar to a 450 lbs. sportbike."

It probably holds a line just fine but i doubt that it changes direction easily. My 505 lb wet BMW R1100S doesn't change direction or handle like my 450 lb wet 1098. Why would i believe that a 614 lb 60" long VFR would handle like a 1098?

My Harley FXDX is 612 lbs wet. Why would I want a so-called sportbike that's heavier than a Harley?

Bob
-Answers to Questions
June 30, 2010 01:48 PM
"I didn't hear a lot a lot of whining when the kick starter disappeared from road bikes in the early 70's, nor when electronic ignition and EFI replaced points and temperamental carbs."

Bill, no one complained because this was technology that solved problems and did it effectively. 10 minutes of kicking and hoping you don't have a heart attack or throw out your knee was a problem. Electric start, electronic ignition and EFI made starting easier and running better. Getting rid of points so you don't have to adjust them every 1000 miles is a good thing too.

"We have multiple engine tuning profiles which can be chosen at the push of a button, and suspension electronically adjusted the same way."

These are effective solutions to variables in everyday riding such as rough roads, rain, sport riding or touring comfort... No one is complaining about this either as it is useful and we notice it's usefulness during operation.

What problem does the DCT solve? None. What extra benefit does it offer to the operator? Nothing. Why pay $1500 for "nothing?" No one here is afraid of new tech. We welcome it if it serves a purpose.

Pete
-Somthing is missing....
June 30, 2010 12:35 PM
Who in the hell wants a auto shifting sport bike? Well this really isn't a sport bike but then it really isn't a touring bike either. It seems to be an overpriced orphan with the worlds ugliest muffler. The rear of the bike looks like the designers just gave up and pushed it into production. Something is missing.....

Desmolicious
-Can you imagine how everyone would have loved this bike
June 30, 2010 12:04 PM
If it weighed 100lbs less?
If it had fully adjustable suspension - maybe like what Ducati or BMW offers?
If it was a 'reasonable' price?
If it had a decent sized gas tank?
What happened? How did it lose it's relevance? VFRs used to be the measure of the field. And rightly so.

Gunter
-ride it before you judge it
June 30, 2010 01:17 AM
See a lot of negative comments, just wonder why. I don't need a DCT on my bike, but it's good to see technology is moving forward. I think it's a great option for big touring bikes, I bet in 5 years we will see it a lot more.While I ride every day, rain or shine, I like to feel my bike working and having to work myself to make it work optimally. For me that's part of riding. But there are plenty of people who do not need/like that.

Bill
-There is a DCT in my garage
June 29, 2010 11:59 PM
in addition to my 98 5th gen VFR800 and Moto Guzzi Griso. It is entertaining to read all these negative comments by people who have never ridden a standard VFR1200 let alone the DCT version. That's OK with me, I don't buy what I ride based on a popularity contest or what other people think, but rather what appeals to me whether it is leading edge technology or old world charm.
I'm experiencing and enjoying today what most sporting bikes will have standard a few years from now; most of these folks are too myopic to see what's coming at them. I didn't hear a lot a lot of whining when the kick starter disappeared from road bikes in the early 70's, nor when electronic ignition and EFI replaced points and temperamental carbs. We have multiple engine tuning profiles which can be chosen at the push of a button, and suspension electronically adjusted the same way. The state of the art is advanced by people with vision and guts to push aside the status quo, not by the "we didn't ask for this technology" crowd. How ironic but that same crowd now takes these advances for granted even, dare I say, demands it.

Sean
-Move along Grandpa, there's nothing to see here
June 29, 2010 09:11 PM
I am sure you all still bemoan the lost of your rotary dial land line phone. Oh the quality was so much better and the operator was oh so nice you said.
Makes this technology cheap and put it on every bike. I don't have the time to waste on this shift none-sense. If any of you moto hobbist actually ride more then ten miles a year on your shiny Harley you'll realize what a pain it is having to shift. Get with the time and where's my variable cruise control?

Zippy
-why not...
June 29, 2010 05:46 PM
If you want an atuomatic, why not just buy a minivan. Probably about as exciting to drive. Of course the Yamaha FJR1300AE sold so well they had to stop making it. Could not keep up with demand...NOT!!

will parker
-June leftovers..
June 29, 2010 05:15 PM
This story is a retread, right?

Superlight
-VFR DCT
June 29, 2010 03:17 PM
As Steve said, sometimes things that make sense on cars don't translate well to bikes. Motorcycle manual transmissions are just so easy to master (versus the same equipment in cars) that there is little/no functional reason to add this technology to a bike, especially at a $1500 price premium over the base manual version.
Want to add some car tech to bikes? Honda would be better off adding direct fuel injection to bike motors, as the increased power/economy would be more appreciated.

unclewill
-If my Tuono was stolen tomorrow...
June 29, 2010 03:16 PM
I'd buy this bike, likely the DCT version since I commute on my bike daily. What the hell, try something new.

Hepburn
-DCT and New Tech
June 29, 2010 02:02 PM
There is nothing wrong with new technology as long as it is technology that buyers want and need. I don’t need a depth finder on my car but it would work well on a boat. I don’t want or need an automatic trans in my bike but would work well in the family wagon. Simply put not everyone will like the VFR’s DCT but not because they are afraid of new tech but because they see no value in it. Honda has been known for building bikes with technology that no one asked for but they built it anyways. I ‘m just glad Honda doesn’t use our tax dollars to fund their corporate wet dreams; so if the bike fails so what and if it is successful then ride on.

unclewill
-If you are averse to new technology....
June 29, 2010 11:13 AM
...you can always buy a Harley.

Tom
-Nope, me neither..
June 29, 2010 10:50 AM
I like my gen5.

Steve
-Good for car not always good for bikes
June 29, 2010 09:58 AM
The DCT makes great sense in a car. 90% of buyers want an automatic, a DCT shifts very quickly when shifted manually (by the other 10% of drivers), they are lighter than a true automatic, offer better gas mileage than autos and CVT, and they are "race car technology" for your Honda Accord (blah.)
In a bike it makes less sense, because it doesn't shift much faster than a manual-sequential box, it won't give you greater mpg, and it is certainly not lighter than standard. I doubt this transmission will ever catch on with the sporting crowd, but maybe with the cruisers?

adam - motousa
-weight
June 29, 2010 09:28 AM
I see that a lot of you are complaining about weight. Like I said in the review you cannot feel the additional 22 lbs. In either standard or DCT form this VFR literally handles similar to a 450 lbs. sportbike.

Madmax
-Limp Wrist
June 29, 2010 04:06 AM
>Now it will be more difficult to diagnose..and more expensive for those >who do not do their own work. More money since clutch parts count is >doubled as well.
Then again, Carpel Tunnel can be expensive to fix too.

mike
-just wait
June 28, 2010 11:45 PM
until Honda starts putting this technology in sports bikes and cruisers. [And I don't doubt that other manufacturers will do likewise.]
And starts getting the weight down. In a car, I prefer manual, but DSG transmissions, particularly Porsche, allow greater concentration on the road [especially the track] which promote not merely faster lap times, but greater safety.
Looks like we may well be seeing the future.

Jay
-can't wait
June 28, 2010 07:45 PM
I my self think this is a great idea.Just can't wait till harley put this type of transmission in there new v4 touring bike.............

sabre
-Why the hate
June 28, 2010 07:31 PM
Any avid motorcyclist knows Honda pushes the engineering envelope. Then changes cycling as we know it. Why look at this as unnecessary and heavy, Its the future just like fuel injection, CDI, and drive by wire. This isn't the hondamatic but a real gearbox. The only compliant I have though is why remove the foot shift. When I'm barreling through SE Wisconsin I want both hands firmly on the grips

Davis
-VERY nice to sit on
June 28, 2010 06:14 PM
I have had the pleasure of sitting on this bike (well, at least the standard version), and I must say it oozes quality and perfection. The $20K is a real put-off, since I can get a Hyabusa or ZX-14 for WAY less, but I like the idea of an intelligent automatic/manual transmission. Let's not make the mistake of calling this an automatic, but it is indeed a dual-clutch, computer controlled manual transmission. Not having to stab at that shifter to find the power band is something that I would LOVE for a sporty ride in the sweepers. We'll have to wait and see if it has any buyers. The Aprilia Mana, FJR-1300AE, and other automatic-shift bikes have failed to grab the market's attention.

Chris
-Weight problem??
June 28, 2010 04:42 PM
I'm surpirsed that many see the 22 pound weight increase as a significant problem since that represents less than a 4% increase over the standard model. There is no way you're going to feel this extra 3.7% unless you're Rossi or pushing the bike at 10/10th pace on a racetrack. I think this is a useful feature and look forward to it being implemented on more and more bikes, and lets hope as this technology progresses, it becomes cheaper and lighter.

Larry
-Did this one come with metal shavings in the motor?
June 28, 2010 03:31 PM
Like the recalled bikes?
Nice clean work place Honda!
http://www.passionperformance.ca/motorcycle/articles/7888/

Carl
-Neat idea, too heavy
June 28, 2010 03:21 PM
I initially thought, what a neat idea, then, upon thinking again, I really like the ability to control my own shifts. The biggest negative is the extra 22 lbs in weight. I want a LIGHTER ride, not something heavier. I currently have a 2005 ZRX1200 and at 490 dry, that's the upper end of the range I want to stick with. Sure, I might go a bit higher but 614 lbs - NFW.

Yo
-Could be right for some
June 28, 2010 02:38 PM
Man, this bike sure attracts the haters. I don't really need one, but I'm not sure that it doesn't make sense for some. Is the bike ugly? Well, it looks different from its competitors, but I can see some neat angles. Is the DCT heavy, complicated, and probably unnecessary? Sure, but so are a lot of the features on motorcycles that we all seem to enjoy. This bike could be great for someone who is affluent and would enjoy an easy-to-ride bike with good acceleration. As a consumer, I like the wide array of choices we enjoy and this bike just provides another option. To each his own ride!

Trevor
-No Bob, they are no side-by-side
June 28, 2010 02:27 PM
The DCT, as the article states, uses an inner and outer clutch, not side-by-side. Reading things in their entirety increases your understanding.
Refer to this pic: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/VFR1200F_engine_01.jpg

Skipper
-skip1380@yahoo.com
June 28, 2010 01:47 PM
What an overpriced novelty. This bike is ugly and it is not a sport bike and it is not a sport touring bike so what is it? I think this will be a flop like the DNO1. I looked at one in Madison, Wi last month and believe me the guy who designed that ugly muffler should be spanked real good.

Bob
-Still not interested
June 28, 2010 12:57 PM
Good info but still not a desirable system IMO. Not only did it add 22 lbs but since the dual clutches are side by side, the drivetrain is longer front to rear. This means the bike has to be longer to package it. Extra weight...extra size...just what we do not need in a newer, modern motorcycle. Same with extra system complexity. Now it will be more difficult to diagnose..and more expensive for those who do not do their own work. More money since clutch parts count is doubled as well.

Now for the safety issue. No longer is there a clutch to pull in to disengage the drivetrain from the rear wheel should the rider get in over his head or if something in the drivetrain fails and locks up. Bad idea to get rid of this most important safety feature.

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